January 31, 2024 — The City is engaging the public for its input and insight on the future of the Crossing Guard Program in the community.
The City of Sarnia is currently reviewing its Crossing Guard Program, focusing on how to best meet the safety needs of pedestrians in the community while ensuring the most efficient utilization of taxpayer resources. Historically the City has delivered the service via a third-party contractor. The City moved delivery of crossing guard services in house in 2023 after a dramatic increase in the costs of third-party crossing guard contracts.
“With recent changes to the program, we are taking an in-depth look at crossing guard services in the community before we move forward into the 2024-2025 school year,” said Manager of Development and Transportation Alister Brown, adding, “we want to ensure we are using these resources efficiently in a way that meets the needs of residents and maintains pedestrian safety.”
A single, in-house crossing guard costs $14,500 per year, a third-party contract guard costs $23,500 per year. Currently, the City of Sarnia maintains 29 student crossing locations.
Residents can help inform an ongoing review of the program, and potential recommendations, by completing the City’s short online survey. The survey gauges current levels of satisfaction, and interest in changes to the locations of crossing guards or the use of alternative safety measures.
Further information and the survey can be accessed at www.speakupsarnia.ca/Guards.